The Chronicles of Neoubert

Chapter III : Sanctuary Of Solitude

One night, sleeping soundly on fragile branches was Eric who was supposed to be guarding the others until its Lee Kim Ann's turn. He dreamt about his death. His friends dead and he was on the brink of death. Just as he foresaw the Commander thrust Pandemonium to his chestplate, Eric woke up and the branches snapped which made him fell down. With a loud stomp, the others wake up and pulled their bows and grips their sword for incoming enemies. "Chill! I just fell down, nothing to worry about" Said Eric with a grin. They lowered their weapons, facepalmming and continued to rest while some giggled and smirked a bit. The sun rises from the horizon and they strotted on the open fields, feeling the breeze and enjoying the moment, Rapi thought it was a good chance to practice his skills. He waves his sword, his aura channeled to the blade, and he slashes his sword to the air. A faint fire is seen but it is unlikely to cause any damage. He tried it again and again but still failed. Eric came closer and told Rapi that he will teach him with everything he know on how to master his power. Weather became grey and dark continued by raindrops dropping heavier, not a good time to walk on wet soil as they need to arrive at Ruzomar quickly. Neoubert however, came back to report to the Lieutenants after initiating recons at a border nearby with a scout team.

"We'll set foot here" Jacquelyn with her heavy armour got down from her horse, takes her map and continue her plans for the next siege. Glorie immediately followed with several of her Guardians. "A pigeon came to me yesterday night, It contains a letter" Jacquelyn stated. "What does it contain?" Glorie and Neo wondered. "Supreme Court had talked to the Mistress. The 3rd Sceptre would change routes to help those at Luxumanian. 4th and 5th would go to Siegfried and 2nd is heading to Pogstrom. If we fail this siege, we will lose an advantageous position and no reinforcements will arrive in the meantime. So I want full detail of every corner of that city." After a while of planning, Glorie told Neoubert to see the wizard. "What for?" He asked. "She wants to meet you, now." Neoubert obeyed her and went straight to the wizard's hut. "Ah-ha! Look who came." The wizard spoke. "Glorie..umm, Lieutenant Glorie told me that you would like to see me..Miss?". "Oh! pardon my ignorance, My name is Chen, and I see that you aren't quite well with physical combat 'ey?" "I guess, but what does that have to do with you meeting me? Neoubert said. "I would like to teach you some wizardry! It won't take long until you master intermediate spells." Chen stated her purpose.

Upon reaching the border of Ruzomar, Eric ordered Lee Kim Ann and Alex to check the route ahead. Hafiz and Rapi will clear their tracks and set traps incase anything dosen't happen according to their plan. Once set and the path secured, they continued their march. Meanwhile, Neoubert is struggling to use a basic spell. Chen taught him the proper way to do it over and over but found no progress. "This is too hard!" Said Neo as he lie down on the grass. "Nothing is impossible if you work hard." Chen replied. They started to argue over it but someone stopped them, Chen and Neo asked who the stranger is. "My name's Jamie. I was summoned by the Mistress to aid you on your journey Neoubert." The stranger turned out to be the Mistress's medical apprentice, Jamie E.S. "M-m-me!?" Neo said with overwhelming shyness. Jamie nodded, She opened her kit and gave Neoubert a green-pinkish potion. Neo looked at it and was curious about what will it do. "Drink it all, It will help you to become better at wizardry. I promise" Neo hesitantly drank the potion and was startled by the very bitter taste, he soon began feeling something moving in his stomach. "Thats just a small effect, Don't worry." Chen helped Neo use the spell again. He concentrated and suddenly, a burst of fire came out from his hands. "FIRE, FIRE!" He screamed as he tried to put the flames away. But what he noticed later is the fire didn't damage his hands, but instead feels very warm and pleasant. "You did it! The potion helped you." Chen said with excitement. "Now that you master the basics, we can continue on the more powerful ones." Neo thanked Jamie for helping him although he criticized the potions taste. Soon, he practiced more techniques with tremendous progress and impressed Chen as well.

"We're here." Eric said to the four. They looked around and was baffled why he said that. It appears to be a place where they keep those priceless treasures and ancient artifacts from a long time ago. Hafiz searched for a trigger that will open the entrance, Alex and Lee Kim Ann climbed the trees to get a more clear view of the place. "I have a bad feeling about this." Rapi stated. "Don't worry, It's fine. Just make sure you don't step on any traps that would kill us all." Eric said jokingly. Soon they opened the entrance and Proceeded to go into the building. It was very dark. Eric lifted his sword and soon a light came from the sword, restoring their visibility. The place was huge, finely builded and was full of traps which can kill them if they're not careful. Soon they reached the center of the building. A skeleton with never before seen armour rises from the pile of bones. "Welcome to the Sanctuary of Solitude. What business do you have of this place." "The skeleton talks!" Lee said panickedly. They almost shot the skeleton but was stopped by Eric. "We request something of your belongings. A relic, some kind of necklace which would help us." The skeleton said "For your wish to be granted, face my tests and you shall be rewarded." "Fine, bring it on!" Eric replied. Suddenly the walls collasped and the bones stored morphed into creatures. They were heavily outnumbered and to make things worse, only the three of them are allowed to pass early. Eric asked Lee and Alex. "Are you two sure that you want to do this?" They both said simultaneously. "A bow and arrow is all I need." The three ran and the duo started fighting those two aggresively, not letting even one pass them. On the next test, a giant demonic lurker grants access to only a person. Hafiz and Rapi decided to fight the abomination, leaving Eric for the final test. He found himself standing at the edge of a bridge. He lit the area with his blade, carved at the walls are the names and faces of heroes that have fallen on the battlefield or died of age. Below the bridge is a abyss which gave him a trembling feeling, he walked back slowly but was stopped as the entrance behind is already sealed.

He hold his sword firm, noticing something coming with high velocity. Within seconds, a serpent dashed on the air. He tried to slash and penetrate it but the scales of the monster are hard as obsidian, "Blade Enchantment, Harkonnan Steel!" He shouted. The longsword changed into a very deadly rapier. It's his most powerful technique and he quickly jumps on the serpent, thrusting his sword and sprinted towards its head. Almost slicing the monster but the scales release poison when deathly threatened. He finished it off, later lying on the platforms. The other four came to help him, but it was too late. He was dying and the medicines they gave him didn't work. Eventually he died, his weapon shattered and their hopes dissapeared. The skeleton from earlier appeared, Hafiz almost tried to kill it, but was stopped by Lee. The skeleton said "In order to achieve victory, sacrifces are needed. Do not worry brave warriors, he is in a better place." It gave Rapi a necklace, and whispered him something. He looked at it with a shocked expression. The skeleton opened the entrance back to the surface. But it forbid them to take Eric with them. "He stays with me. The body of this hero will be taken care here. But his spirit will help you
on your journey. They look at him for the last time before continuing their journey. As they watch the entrance close, In their thoughts are a whisper. "Thank you."